A medical study was recently published which established a link between heading a football and an increase in the chances of developing dementia in later life. In light of this study, some medical professionals have called for heading a football to be banned for all junior players.

In some countries, based on previous research into this subject, steps have already been taken to limit heading for young people. In the USA, for example, heading is now banned for u11 players, and only limited heading (in training sessions) is allowed from u11’s – u13’s.

Recently, it has been reported that the Scottish FA are considering a similar ban. UEFA and FIFA have also been approached to incorporate this into the laws of the game. At the moment, the English Football Association has not declared their position but there is clearly a broadening consensus around this subject. There are currently a number of additional ongoing studies including several with the English Football Association and the English Premier League which are also looking into the impact of heading a football.

CSA 07 FC have assessed the information available to us on this subject at the moment and have come to the following decision. Immediately, we will introduce the following protocols at CSA 07 FC:

There will be no training drills which involve heading for our younger age groups (up to u12's). We will occasionally teach our older age groups (u13’s – u17’s) how to head a ball using the correct technique in training sessions, but no player will be compelled to participate.

We will check that footballs used on match days are inflated to the lowest recommended pressure level (i.e. there must be some give in the balls)

We will always invoke the FA’s Concussion protocol – there will be no exceptions.

Our coaches will never criticise any player if they don't head a ball.

We will keep this situation under review. If more information becomes available, we may update our protocols and guidance to our coaches. The welfare of our players is our priority at CSA 07 FC. We will continue to adopt a conservative approach to this issue.

We appreciate that this subject may provoke some strong opinion but our view is that we wish to make some small pragmatic changes which focus on the welfare of our players, whilst all the football authorities are considering their formal response.

Poppy Appeal 2019 - added 30th November 2019

After the success of Poppies4Kits last season, we again marked this Remeberence Sunday event by buying a poppy for each player to wear on their match day shirt. To remind everyone, this is done in partnership with Poppies4Kits. Further information about the work of this organisation can be found at www.poppies4kits.co.uk and @Poppies4Kits.

There are a couple of reasons that we’ve decided to do this again and we hope to make this an annual activity at our football club. Firstly, it is a very visible demonstration showing our respect for those from all nationalities who have fallen in conflict. Secondly, I hope this helps our younger generation connect a little bit more with the annual process of remembrance and to better understand why it is so important.

And finally, approximately half of the proceeds go directly to the Royal British Legion (www.britishlegion.org.uk). As our football club is set up as a charity, this aligns very well with our overall ethos.

We recognise that some people do not agree with wearing a poppy. If at any time you as parents or guardians or the players themselves feel uncomfortable then no one is under any obligation to wear one.

Thank you for your support this year.

Winter training schedule - update 30th Nov 2019

Summer presentation awards events - added 1st May 2019

For the first time, CSA 07 FC are hosting two seperate award events to celebrate the players achievements this season:

Under 13's, under 14's & under 16's event

CSA 07 Pioneers & u7's - u12's

CSA 07 players sign for professional academies - 19th September 2018

Many congratulations to Jacob T who has joined Southampton FC's academy u9's and Finlay C who has joined Swindon Town FC's academy u10's.

Already this season, Jacob has recently played against Manchester City's u9's (and scored) and Finlay recently played againt Chelsea's u10's.

Finlay follows in the footsteps of other ex-CSA 07 players, George A and Danny G who are now in Swindon Town's u12's team.

Both of these players have played several years at CSA 07 FC and we wish them all the very best on the next step of their footballing advernture.

BREAKING NEWS - 29th October 2018

We are also delighted to announce that Jacob F, from the CSA 07 u9 team, has just signed for Oxford United FC's Academy. Many congratualtions Jacob !!

About CSA 07 FC

CSA 07 Football Club is a charity and it has been entered onto the Register of Charities with the Registered Charity Number 1178637. CSA 07 Football Club is established for charitable purposes only for the public benefit.

The objects of the charity are "the promotion of community participation in healthy recreation for the benefit of the inhabitants of West Berkshire and Hampshire by the provision of facilities for playing football".